Placenta Truth

Okay, so I'm a little unnerved this morning.  I'm seeing more and more negative media regarding placenta encapsulation.  What I'm finding hard to swallow, is not that there is negative coverage, as that happens with anything, but that it seems all so one sided.  I thought, part of being involved in professional media coverage, was gathering facts from all sides.  Some of these stories are not that, they are trying to present the side that best suits them, or that best makes placenta encapsulation unworthy of notification.

I was first disturbed by this pleasant little article Don't forget to take your placenta pills.  This is actually what first got me thinking on how to better educate women/men/the world on the whats and whys of encapsulation.  I am not going to get into a fight with the author, there are many interesting comments already posted on her blog by many women on both sides of the fence.  But that is also the problem, why are we fighting each other?  Why, when something seems out of the norm, do people react negatively?  Why should anyone, judge, put down or shame something because they do not understand it fully.  I would also like to make a small point, that for any of us who do this, we are not getting rich.  I often  provide the service for free, for trade, or at a reduced rate, because not everyone can afford the standard rate.  We provide encapsulation service because we value the placenta and what it can offer new mothers.

I am a placenta encapsulator.  When I tell people that is what I do for a living, I get a crap load of different stares.  I get people who straight out say "that's gross, why would anyone do that".  I like these people, at least they gave me a reason to explain the whys and hows.  They are the people that walk away from the conversation knowing more.  Most people though look blankly, and discontinue the conversation.  Oh, and I have had a few that have out right laughed in my face.  These people just snap judged me, and what I do.  These people, who I'm sure are very intelligent, educated people, reacted in an extremely ignorant, rude fashion.  Not cool.  And, then,  believe it or not, more and more people are looking for information, and are excited about being able to ask me what I know, and what my clients are saying.

I am not going to force anyone to do anything, I am not going to try and change your mind, I feel though, that the best way to educate yourself, is to look at all sides.  This little "news" clip is infuriating!  http://www.albertaprimetime.com/  How can something be put on mainstream media that is only one sided?  How, because we let it.  We are pretty much content to sit, and let whoever, tell us whatever, and believe it.  But that is another topic for another time ;)

Placenta encapsulation is not a fad.  Acid wash jeans were a fad.  Tickle Me Elmo was a fad.  Placenta encapsulation, is a tradition, and has been used for hundreds of years Many Cultures Revere Placenta.  Calling it a trend, and a fad, put down the real value of what each mom and baby are given.  Some women choose to use it, others do not.  But do not put down that it has helped hundreds, even thousands of women and their families during the postpartum period.  There is research out there.  You just have to read it.  There is also alot of anecdotal evidence shared, and truthfully, why shouldn't we count that?  If you think your friends haircut looks great, you ask where she got it done.  If you want to find a good restaurant, you read a review, even choosing a doctor is based on what you hear.  So, if my best friend says nothing but good about taking her placenta, then why not look it up, and determine if it's my best option. 

A thousand years ago when someone was sick, they called to their local shaman, midwife, elder, healer...."doctor".  Most of these healers did not go to university, the learnt from previous healers, from nature, from life and experience.  The art of placenta encapsulation, tinctures, salves, all are along those lines, ancient healing wisdom that still hold strong in today's society.  There is a need for placenta, or we would not be having this conversation.  Today, we have midwives, naturopaths, homeopaths, doctors from all walks, and we use them.  We benefit from them.  And, we are all grateful for so many of modern medicines contributions.  But we still go back to our ancestral roots.  When you have a cold, do you not want a glass of OJ?  Do you not crave a bowl of chicken soup?  These are things that are culturally acceptable, and suggested by medical professionals for helping ease a cold.  Why not continue to use our past to better our present?  Learning how to use what we are given is part of evolution.

Please, feel free to comment, or ask me a question.  I am posting a few other links for review if you are interested.  Thanks!

PBi, based out of Nevada, US,  tons of info on the benefits of the placenta, list of many placenta encapsulation specialists,and continuously doing research!
International Placenta Encapsulation Network, UK based organization with references, information, encapsulation specialist, trainings.
A short video as to Why Placenta Encapsulation
A local Alberta Mom says eating placenta helps cure postpartum depression